Review by: Raygun

A blended whisky produced by Nikka, though the website carefully notes that it does not meet the standards for Japanese whisky. That means it contains some amount of whisky not fermented, distilled, and aged in Japan. I first tried it as part of the tasting at Miyagikyo and subsequently picked up a set of minis including it. Reviewed from a mini. Rested for 15 minutes.

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Distillery: Miyagikyo, Yoichi, and ? 

Bottler: Nikka 

Region/style: “Japanese” blended whisky 

ABV: 43%

Age: NAS, but the label helpfully says, “Rare Old”  

Cask type: Unknown

Color: 1.3 russet. Likely colored and chill-filtered.

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Nose: Caramel, apples, and vanilla, mercifully free of the acetone of young grain. I’m sure there’s some Yoichi in here, but it’s tough to find any peat. A touch of prune. A whiff of faint smoke with time.       

Palate: Honestly pretty nice. Mostly caramel with some touches of hay, honey, and apples. Like caramel apple cider with a sprinkle of cinnamon. A very autumnal sort of whisky. I don’t notice peat any more than I did on the nose, but there is a little pipe tobacco. More hints of dried fruit.  

Finish: Honey, caramel apples, and vanilla and almond cookies with a hint of cinnamon. I’d say a little sherry influence, but it’s very mild. Mild is an accurate descriptor overall. Not a whisky with a whole lot of notes.    

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Conclusion: Super was first blended in 1962, so before Miyagikyo was built. I presume it now has malt from both Nikka distilleries, but they’re not saying. Does what it aims to do: makes for an easy drinking blend. It would probably make a nice highball, too. Probably not something to sit with and pick apart. Much better than JW Red or the basic Chivas Regal. I don’t think it’s available in the US, but I’d probably go for Compass Box Artist’s Blend anyway if I wanted something like this.

Score: 70

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Kavalan Solist Manzanilla)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Amrut Peated CS)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Taketsuru Pure Malt)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Bushmills 10 Malt)
• 0-49: Blech.